The VAG is still best known for its extensive collection of works by the 1920s modernist Emily Carr, Canada's most celebrated female artist, who willed more than 150 paintings to the gallery in 1945. These post-impressionist portraits of western flora and First Nations subjects are arguably of more historical interest than artistic merit, but Carr was an impressive character in many ways. The third floor is also home to several important works by the Group of Seven. Under the leadership of director Kathleen Bartels there's been a more ambitious approach to bringing in important traveling exhibitions in recent years, as well as the acquisition of cutting edge modern work from the fertile local art scene.